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Product Description
Book
What were Mechanics Institutes? Every country town seems to have one and they are often impressive 19th century buildings. Free Library is usually emblazoned across the facade, but nowadays there is probably a gallery, museum or public hall in there. But where are the books? - and more intriguing. Where are the mechanics?
The answers are here. This book tells the story of one Mechanics Institute that is still operating as a library 136-odd years after being established. Along the way we learn much about how many of the other 1,300 Institutes established in Victoria operated.
In the 1800s, Mechanics Institutes were 'must have' organisations where almost everyone attended, perhaps to read the latest paper or journal from town or 'home', or to borrow an instructive book. There was no universal secondary or technical education in those days, so 'self improvement' was not only fashionable, it was more or less essential if you wanted to get on.
Hardcover; A4; 198pp with Illustrations and Index
